CAVIAR, foie gras and squid are just some of the luxurious items donated to a food bank in West Sussex designed to feed people living below the bread line.

Caviar and foie gras are just some of the luxurious items donated to a food bank in West Sussex

Despite the upper class goodwill gestures, the project manager of the East Grinstead Foodbank, Alexander Julia Harris said they would only be offered to people as "extras."

And although olives and posh chocolates handed in by people who "mean well" are appreciated, basic items such as tins of tomatoes, baked beans, soup and cereal are "far more important."

She said: "We do get some rather luxurious donations, although we are all out of foie gras at the moment.

"Whatever we get is always appreciated - it's what people want to give in the end, but what we really need are the standard items like tins of tomatoes, baked beans, soup, long-life milk, pasta, cereal and rice.

"Any luxury items are offered to people as extras, who are usually more than happy to accept them."

Ms Harris says that the "most important" message to get across was that anyone going to a foodbank should know that they are "not being judged" and that anyone in need was welcome.

We do get some rather luxurious donations, although we are all out of foie gras at the moment

Alexander Julia Harris

Foodbanks are part of a project run by the Trussell Trust charity who partner with churches and communities to open new foodbanks nationwide.

With more than 420 foodbanks currently launched, its goal is for every town to have one.

There are thought to be around 13 million needy people who go hungry in the UK alone.

Ms Harris explained the needy are only required to collect a red voucher, which can be exchanged for three days of emergency food.

She continued: "We work with around 60 local agencies, such as schools, GPs, housing associations and the county council, who will refer someone to us who is in crisis.

"The most important message is that nobody is judged when they come here - this really is something for nothing.

"We have received more than two tonnes of food over the last month or so, so we have the supplies to help people."

Ms Harris added: "Some people walk for miles to get here, we had one person who walked for four miles just to get here to pick up an emergency box."

The East Grinstead Foodbank, is run by volunteers Alison and David Partington.